Obituary for Kenneth W. ""Reb"" Messenger
Kenneth W. (Reb) Messenger, of Enfield, beloved husband of Frances (Cummings) Messenger died Monday, Dec. 6, 2021 he was 85. Kenneth was born March 13, 1936 in Weston, WV, to Elmer and Bonnie (Richards) Messenger. He grew up in Jane Lew, WV, attended high school there and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force three days after graduation in 1954. He served in Texas, Japan, and Hawaii and was discharged from Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, MA in 1964.
Ken worked for Kelly Fradet Lumber and the CT DOT, retiring in 1995 as Crew Leader on I-91 in the Windsor Locks, East Windsor, and Enfield area which he referred to as “God’s Little Acre.” Prior to retiring, he bought a riding lawnmower to mow and maintain the Rt. 190 off-ramp area to Pearl Street, adding flowers for color and beauty. Neighbors and friends have stepped in to continue his work.
In addition to his wife, Ken is survived by his sister Sue (Edward) Reusch of Columbus, OH. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their families in OH, WV and elsewhere. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Joseph and sisters Wilma Young and Joann Serwatka. During 56 years of marriage, there was always at least one cat living in the Messenger household. Kenny loved his family, and he and Fran enjoyed many trips to Vegas. Prior to his illness he would think nothing of driving over 600 miles in one shot to visit family in OH and WV. If you knew Ken you know he was a diehard NY Giants fan. He also never missed a UConn Women’s basketball game. This presented a challenge the day before his passing when the Giants and UConn were playing opposite each other, but he got through it with a lot of channel hopping. His hobby was woodworking, and in later years, word-search puzzles. The family would like to thank Dr. Younus Masih and Karen for their excellent care of Ken over the years. Also, our Pearl Street neighbors who have been so helpful during Ken’s illness. He also appreciated the wonderful friendships and get-togethers with former DOT colleagues.
Relatives and friends may gather on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield, A funeral home service will then take place followed by interment with military honors in St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery, Enfield. Family has requested that mask be worn. Memorial donations may be made to St. Raymond of Penafort Parish, 64 Pearl St. Enfield; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or the Shiners Hospital for Children 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104 or charity of the donor’s choice.
Ken worked for Kelly Fradet Lumber and the CT DOT, retiring in 1995 as Crew Leader on I-91 in the Windsor Locks, East Windsor, and Enfield area which he referred to as “God’s Little Acre.” Prior to retiring, he bought a riding lawnmower to mow and maintain the Rt. 190 off-ramp area to Pearl Street, adding flowers for color and beauty. Neighbors and friends have stepped in to continue his work.
In addition to his wife, Ken is survived by his sister Sue (Edward) Reusch of Columbus, OH. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their families in OH, WV and elsewhere. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Joseph and sisters Wilma Young and Joann Serwatka. During 56 years of marriage, there was always at least one cat living in the Messenger household. Kenny loved his family, and he and Fran enjoyed many trips to Vegas. Prior to his illness he would think nothing of driving over 600 miles in one shot to visit family in OH and WV. If you knew Ken you know he was a diehard NY Giants fan. He also never missed a UConn Women’s basketball game. This presented a challenge the day before his passing when the Giants and UConn were playing opposite each other, but he got through it with a lot of channel hopping. His hobby was woodworking, and in later years, word-search puzzles. The family would like to thank Dr. Younus Masih and Karen for their excellent care of Ken over the years. Also, our Pearl Street neighbors who have been so helpful during Ken’s illness. He also appreciated the wonderful friendships and get-togethers with former DOT colleagues.
Relatives and friends may gather on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield, A funeral home service will then take place followed by interment with military honors in St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery, Enfield. Family has requested that mask be worn. Memorial donations may be made to St. Raymond of Penafort Parish, 64 Pearl St. Enfield; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or the Shiners Hospital for Children 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104 or charity of the donor’s choice.